LOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Kings were the NHL's hottest team before the coronavirus pandemic ended the regular season prematurely. They're hoping they can eventually build on that success whenever they get back on the ice.

The team with the NHL's longest active winning streak won't get a chance to extend it this season, thanks to the league's decision this week to limit its playoff tournament to 24 teams. The Kings' seven straight victories before the stoppage comprised the franchise's best stretch since December 2017, and it had even pulled them out of last place in the Pacific Division.

The Kings haven't lost a game since Feb. 23, and their 10-3-1 surge prior to the pause suggests coach Todd McLellan's work was finally paying off after Los Angeles mostly struggled through the first four months of a rebuilding season. The Kings' only public comment on the abrupt end came in a statement from team President Luc Robitaille.